A crucial secretary-level meeting, chaired by Odisha’s Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, was held today at the Lok Seva Bhawan conference hall in Bhubaneswar.
The afternoon session brought together senior officials to review the progress of decisions made during the previous meeting on March 11 and chart the course for efficient governance and development in the state.
The Chief Secretary underscored the state government’s unwavering commitment to delivering citizen-centric services, urging all departments to execute their responsibilities with dedication. A key focus was the financial performance of departments in the 2024-25 fiscal year, with a detailed review of expenditure percentages. Departments were directed to prepare annual action plans to ensure optimal utilization of budget allocations for 2025-26 and to prioritize the submission of utilization certificates for central grants received in the current fiscal year.
The meeting also delved into Odisha’s long-term vision under the “Viksit Bharat” and “Viksit Odisha” frameworks, targeting milestones for 2036 and 2047. Discussions highlighted innovative initiatives, including the “Work Pass Book” system for tracking construction projects, real-time monitoring of drinking water and irrigation systems, and the development of an asset management portal for schools and hostels under the ST, SC, and OBC Welfare Department.
In a significant update, the Commerce and Transport Department reported that the zero-commission ride-hailing app “Odisha Yatri” has completed 1.5 lakh trips, marking a milestone in affordable urban mobility. On the human resource front, Odisha’s adoption of the iGOT-Mission Karmayogi platform was lauded, with 4,16,138 employees and officers completing 5,64,142 courses, securing the state the second rank nationally after Rajasthan.
Efforts to enhance public grievance redressal systems, introduce a Citizen Feedback Management System portal, and raise awareness about the Right to Public Services Act were also on the agenda. The Chief Secretary emphasized expediting recruitment for vacant posts and ensuring pension disbursal on the day of retirement for eligible employees.
The meeting saw active participation from senior officials, including Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretaries Satyabrata Sahu, Deo Ranjan Kumar Singh, Surendra Kumar, Hemant Sharma, and other Principal Secretaries and Commissioners, reflecting a collective resolve to drive Odisha’s growth.
